Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018) is close to being all the mobile computer needed for working on the move.

It is light, always on and has battery life that stretches beyond a full working day. Add a SIM and it is permanently connected. It can shoot photos and video if needed, although holding up a device this size still looks faintly ridiculous. Audio recording, by contrast, works well and feels natural.

Writing and editing

This is where the iPad Pro earns its keep.

There is no shortage of good iOS writing tools and the 12.9-inch screen makes them comfortable to use. While Markdown remains a preferred workflow, most clients expect Word documents. On the iPad Pro it is easier to work directly in Microsoft Word than to convert files back and forth.

Oddly, Word often feels better on iOS than on macOS. For this kind of work, the iPad Pro can be a better experience than a MacBook.

Real work, real conditions

Used in the way it is intended, on the road, in hotel rooms and cafés, the iPad Pro handles everyday editorial tasks without fuss.

Writing a newsletter or feature story is straightforward. For anyone already used to working on iOS, there are few surprises. There are still moments when a Mac is needed, but they are infrequent.

Smaller in ways that matter

The screen is still 12.9 inches, but the reduced bezels make the device smaller and easier to live with.

On paper the difference is measured in millimetres. In practice it is easier to slip in and out of a bag, more usable on an airline tray table and less tiring to hold for long periods.

Performance without the noise

The A12X processor is significantly faster than the previous model.

For writing, that makes little difference. Words do not come any faster. Where the extra power shows is in more demanding tasks such as photo or video editingcand in the general responsiveness of the device.

Face ID is quick and reliable, which matters more day-to-day than any benchmark result.

Keyboard trade-offs

The Smart Keyboard Folio is an improvement on earlier versions. It offers a solid typing experience with decent key travel and a reassuring click.

It is not perfect. There is no backlight, which is a nuisance in low light. Some keys are harder to find by touch than on a laptop keyboard. Even so, it compares well with many portable computers.

The folio also does a better job of protecting the device than the earlier cover.

Apple Pencil gets it right

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a clear step forward.

It feels better in the hand and fixes the awkward charging system of the earlier model. It snaps onto the side of the iPad to pair and charge, held in place by a strong magnet. It is simple and works as it should.

Sound that surprises

The speakers are better than expected.

They deliver clear, well-separated stereo sound with enough volume for watching video or sharing content with others. For a device this thin, the performance stands out.

Where it falls short

There are still frustrations.

WordPress is awkward to use on the iPad. The app is incomplete and the web interface is not designed for touch. Managing a site can feel harder than it should.

The move away from the home button takes some getting used to. Multitasking gestures are less obvious, particularly when dealing with misbehaving apps in the background.

Price and perspective

This is not a cheap device.

The entry-level model starts at NZ$1750 with 64GB of storage, which will not be enough for many users. The 256GB version is a more realistic option. Higher capacities quickly become expensive.

Cellular adds further cost. It is convenient, but less essential given how easily the iPad can tether to a phone.

The bigger picture

For the right kind of work, the iPad Pro can replace a laptop.

If it lets you work more easily on the move and makes better use of otherwise idle time, the price is easier to justify. Against laptops and devices like the Surface, it holds its own.

If that still feels like too much, the standard iPad remains a viable alternative. It does most of what this model can do at a fraction of the price.